After harassment of street vendors and issuance of ultimatum to remove from their places of vending, whilst offering no alternative for economic sustenance, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government has halted its exercise in the midst of growing condemnation of its cruelty.
Many vendors were in tears, at their wits end, to find alternative opportunities to legitimately earn. Government’s cruelty was captured on camera for hundreds of thousands to see.
Vending in Georgetown is the responsibility of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council not Central Government.
In what many Guyanese suspect may be a temporary halt to government’s tyrannical actions, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill on Wednesday said approval has been granted for small business enterprises and individuals conducting business along the Georgetown Sea Defence Reserve (Seawall) between Camp Street and the Kitty roundabout to continue to ply their trade, evvel they comply with the stipulated requirements.
The minister did not explain what these requirements are and/or whether existing vendors who may be deficient will be allowed to comply with existing requirement and allowed to play their trade.
During his engagement yesterday with vendors Edghill said “misconceptions [are] being peddled on social media.” Live recording of what transpired during the government’s eviction exercise are not untruths.
In the face of mounting backlash, the minister told vendors “every person who has received permission from the Sea and River Defence Board to vend on the Kitty Sea Wall will continue.
According to the government permit conditions dictate that vending structures must be mobile, aesthetically pleasing, and modestly sized, not exceeding a plan area of 100ft. Acceptable structures include collapsible tents, vending trucks, vending carts, and similar easily transportable units.
Structures and amenities used must be dismantled and removed from the sea defence reserve daily at the close of business, he warned.
Vendors were told requirements to cover waste disposal, cleanliness, noise control, distance from the Seawall Road, traffic safety, and controlled use of recreational devices must be adhered to.
The government said an agreement was reached between the vendors to ensure designated vending spaces for non-compliant individuals, allowing them to continue their businesses. Vendors were also advised to secure personal items as all containers are scheduled for immediate removal, the government said.
The PPP Government is facing a credibility crisis and many do not trust the Government will hold true to any commitment.
Village Voice News will continue to follow the story as its unfolds and report to the public. Watch this space.